Interlux Antifoulant on Aluminum Hulls

Quick Tips for Applying Antifouling Paint to Bare Aluminum Hulls

Aluminum is difficult to overcoat because it oxidizes instantly on contact with the atmosphere and aluminum oxide is very hard, sandpaper is made of aluminum oxide. The best method for getting coatings to adhere to aluminum is the following:

Bring metal to a uniform bright finish by sandblasting with non-ferrous blast media such as clean silica sand or, if blasting is not possible, grind using a 36-grit wheel. Remove blast or sanding residue with clean air or a broom.